Readily donned elastomeric article

ABSTRACT

An elastomeric article includes a substrate body including a first surface. The substrate body is formed from an elastomeric material. A donning layer overlies at least a portion of the first surface. The donning layer is formed from a styrenic block copolymer.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Highly elastic articles such as surgical and examination gloveshave traditionally been formed from natural rubber latex due to itscombination of good elasticity and strength. In recent years, syntheticgloves with comparable properties have been introduced for suchapplications. One such glove is formed fromstyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (S-EB-S) synthetic block copolymers.

[0002] Tightly fitting elastomeric articles, whether made of natural orsynthetic polymers, can be difficult to don. To overcome this problem,it has been conventional practice to apply a powdered lubricant to thesurface that is to contact the body of the user, such as the inside ofthe glove. However, the presence of such powders may be undesirable incertain situations, for example, for surgical procedures. As such, aneed exists for a synthetic glove that is easily donned without the useof powders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a readily donnedelastomeric article, such as a glove or a condom, and a method offorming such an article.

[0004] The present invention relates to an elastomeric article includinga substrate body formed from an elastomeric material, the substrate bodyhaving a first surface, and a donning layer overlying at least a portionof the first surface. The donning layer may be formed from a styrenicblock copolymer. The elastomeric material may include a mid blocksaturated styrene block copolymer, for example, astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer. The styrenic blockcopolymer used to form the donning layer may include astyrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The article may furtherinclude a lubricant layer overlying at least a portion of the donninglayer.

[0005] The present invention further relates to an elastomeric articleincluding a substrate body formed from an elastomeric material, thesubstrate body having a first surface and a second surface, a donninglayer overlying at least a portion of the first surface, the donninglayer formed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and agripping layer overlying at least a portion of the second surface of thesubstrate body. In some instances, the elastomeric material may includea mid block saturated styrene block copolymer, such as astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer. In some instances,the gripping layer may be formed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene blockcopolymer. The article may further include a lubricant layer overlyingat least a portion of the donning layer.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing anelastomeric article. The method includes preparing a substrate body froman elastomeric material, the substrate body having a first surface and asecond surface, and forming a donning layer over at least a portion ofthe first surface, where the donning layer may be formed from astyrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The method contemplatesforming a gripping layer over at least a portion of the second surfaceof the substrate body, where the gripping layer may be formed from astyrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. In some instances, thegripping layer may be contacted with a source of chlorine. The methodfurther contemplates forming a lubricant layer over at least a portionof the donning layer, where the lubricant layer may include a silicone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elastomeric article, namely aglove, according to the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 2A is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of thearticle of FIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including asubstrate body and a donning layer;

[0009]FIG. 2B is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of thearticle of FIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including asubstrate body, a donning layer, and a gripping layer; and

[0010]FIG. 2C is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of thearticle of FIG. 1 taken along a line 2-2, the article including asubstrate body, a donning layer, a gripping layer, and a lubricantlayer.

DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present invention generally relates to an elastomericarticle, such as a condom or glove, and a method of forming such anelastomeric article. As used herein, the term “elastomeric article”refers to an article formed predominantly from an elastomeric material.As used herein, the term “elastomeric material” refers to a polymericmaterial that is capable of being easily stretched or expanded, and willsubstantially return to its previous shape upon release of thestretching or expanding force.

[0012] An article made according to the present invention featuresimproved donning characteristics without the use of powders. Thearticle, for example, the glove 20, generally includes an inside surface22 and an outside surface 24 (FIG. 1). As used herein, the “insidesurface” refers to the surface of the article that contacts the body ofthe wearer. As used herein, the “outside surface” refers to the surfaceof the article that is distal from the body of the wearer. The gloveincludes a substrate body 26 having a first surface 28 and a secondsurface 30 (FIG. 2A-2C). As used herein, “first surface” refers to thesurface of the substrate body proximal to the body of the wearer. Asused herein, “second surface” refers to the surface of the substratebody distal to the body of the wearer.

[0013] The article of the present invention may include a single layeror multiple layers as desired. In a single layer glove including onlythe substrate body, the first surface may form the inside surface of theglove. However, in a multi-layer glove having additional layers proximalthe body of the wearer, the additional layer or layers may each form aportion of the inside surface, or the entire inside surface, as desired.Likewise, in a single layer glove including only the substrate body, thesecond surface may form the outside surface of the glove. However, in amulti-layer glove having additional layers distal from the body of thewearer, the additional layer or layers may each form a portion of theoutside surface, or the entire outside surface, as desired.

[0014] For example, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the article may include adonning layer 32 overlying at least a portion of the first surface 28 ofthe substrate body 26. In such an article, the donning layer 32 forms atleast a portion of the inside surface 22 of the glove 20. As depicted inFIG. 2B, the article 20 may also include a gripping layer 34 overlyingat least a portion of the second surface 30 of the substrate body 26. Insuch an article, the gripping layer 34 forms at least a portion of theoutside surface 24 of the glove 20. As depicted in FIG. 2C, the articlemay also include other layers, such as a lubricant layer 36 thatoverlies at least a portion of the donning layer 32. In such an article,the lubricant layer 36 forms at least a portion of the inside surface 22of the glove 20.

[0015] The substrate body 26 (FIGS. 2A-2C) may be formed from anelastomeric material, and in some embodiments, the substrate body may beformed from a mid block saturated stryenic block copolymer. Forinstance, the substrate body may be formed from astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (S-EB-S) block copolymer. In otherembodiments, the substrate body may be formed from two or moreelastomeric materials. For instance, the substrate body may be formedfrom two or more S-EB-S block copolymers, such as those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,112,900 and 5,407,715 to Buddenhagen et al., bothincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Examples of S-EB-Spolymers that may be suitable for use with the present invention includethose commercially available from Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.) underthe trade name KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651. KRATON® 1650 is believedto contain 30 mass % block styrene. KRATON® 1651 is believed to contain33 mass % block styrene.

[0016] While articles formed from S-EB-S are described in detail herein,it should be understood that any other suitable polymer or combinationof polymers may be used with the present invention. For instance, inanother embodiment, the elastomeric material may include natural rubber,which may generally be provided as natural rubber latex. In yet anotherembodiment, the elastomeric material may include nitrile butadienerubber, and in particular, may include carboxylated nitrile butadienerubber. In other embodiments, the elastomeric material may include astyrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadieneblock copolymer, synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinylchloride, silicone rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The donning layer 32 (FIGS. 2A-2C) may be formed from any polymerthat facilitates donning of the article, and in some embodiments, mayinclude a block copolymer. One such polymer that may be suitable for usewith the present invention is a styrenic block copolymer. In oneembodiment, the donning may be formed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS) block copolymer. One example of an SBS polymer that may besuitable for use as a donning layer is commercially available from DexcoPolymers (Houston, Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8508. VECTOR® 8508is believed to be a linear, pure triblock copolymer (containing lessthan 1% diblock copolymer) produced using anionic polymerization.Another example of an SBS polymer that may be suitable for use as adonning layer is also commercially available from Dexco Polymers(Houston, Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8550.

[0018] In another embodiment, an unsaturated styrene-isoprene (SIS)having tri- or radial-blocks may be used. In some instances, the SISblock copolymer may have a polystyrene end block content of from about10 mass % to about 20 mass % of the total mass of the SIS blockcopolymer. In another embodiment, the SIS block copolymer may have apolystyrene end block content of from about 15 mass % to about 18 mass %of the total mass of the SIS block copolymer. Moreover, the molecularweight of the polystyrene end blocks may be at least about 5,000 gramsper mole. Some examples of suitable mid-block unsaturated SIS blockcopolymers include, but are not limited to, KRATON® D1107 available fromKraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.) and VECTOR® 511 and VECTOR® 4111available from Dexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.).

[0019] The article may also include a gripping layer 34 (FIGS. 2B-2C),which overlies the second surface 30 of the substrate body 26. Thegripping layer may be formed from any polymer, and in some embodiments,the gripping layer may be formed from an unsaturated elastomeric polymercapable of being chlorinated. For instance, the gripping layer may beformed from a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. One example ofan SBS polymer that may be suitable for use as a gripping layer iscommercially available from Dexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under thetrade name VECTOR® 8508, described in detail above. Another example ofan SBS polymer that may be suitable for use as a gripping layer is alsocommercially available from Dexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under thetrade name VECTOR® 8550.

[0020] The article may also include a lubricant layer 36 (FIG. 2C)overlying at least a portion of the donning layer to further facilitatedonning. In one embodiment, the lubricant layer may contain a siliconeor silicone-based component. As used herein, the term “silicone”generally refers to a broad family of synthetic polymers that have arepeating silicon-oxygen backbone, including, but not limited to,polydimethylsiloxane and polysiloxanes having hydrogen-bondingfunctional groups selected from the group consisting of amino, carboxyl,hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester, and thiolgroups. In some embodiments, polydimethylsiloxane and/or modifiedpolysiloxanes may be used as the silicone component in accordance withthe present invention. For instance, some suitable modifiedpolysiloxanes that can be used in the present invention include, but arenot limited to, phenyl-modified polysiloxanes, vinyl-modifiedpolysiloxanes, methyl-modified polysiloxanes, fluoro-modifiedpolysiloxanes, alkyl-modified polysiloxanes, alkoxy-modifiedpolysiloxanes, amino-modified polysiloxanes, and combinations thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lubricant layer may include a siliconeemulsion. One such silicone emulsion that may be suitable for use withthe present invention is DC 365, a pre-emulsified silicone (35% TSC)that is commercially available from Dow Corning Corporation (Midland,Mich.). DC 365 is believed to contain 40-70 mass % water, 30-60 mass %methyl-modified polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5 mass % propylene glycol, 1-5mass % polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, and 1-5 mass %octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol. Another silicone emulsion that may bemay be suitable for use with the present invention is SM 2140,commercially available from GE Silicones (Waterford, N.Y.). SM 2140 is apre-emulsified silicone (50% TSC) that is believed to contain 30-60 mass% water, 30-60 mass % amino-modified polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5%ethoxylated nonyl phenol, 1-5 mass % trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, and minor percentages of acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and 1,4dioxane. Another silicone emulsion that may be suitable for use with thepresent invention is SM 2169 available from GE Silicones (Waterford,N.Y.). SM 2169 is a pre-emulsified silicone that is believed to contain30-60 mass % water, 60-80 mass % polydimethylsiloxane, 1-5 mass %polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, and a small amount of formaldehyde. Yetanother silicone that may be may be suitable for use with the presentinvention is commercially available from GE Silicones (Waterford, N.Y.)under the trade name AF-60. AF-60 is believed to containpolydimethylsiloxane, acetylaldehyde, and small percentages ofemulsifiers. If desired, these pre-emulsified silicones may be dilutedwith water or other solvents prior to use.

[0022] In another embodiment, the lubricant layer may contain aquaternary ammonium compound, such as that commercially available fromGoldschmidt Chemical Corporation of Dublin, Ohio under the trade nameVERISOFT® BTMS. VERISOFT® BTMS is believed to contain behnyl trimethylsulfate and cetyl alcohol. Thus for example, in one embodiment, thelubricant layer includes a quaternary ammonium compound such asVERISOFT® BTMS and a silicone emulsion such as SM 2169.

[0023] In other embodiments, the lubricant layer may include, forexample, a cationic surfactant (e.g., cetyl pyridinium chloride), ananionic surfactant (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate), a nonionic surfactant,or the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, one or more cationic surfactants may beused. Examples of cationic surfactants that may be suitable for use withthe present invention include, for example, behenetrimoniummethosulfate, distearyldimonium chloride, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammoniumchloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride,hexadecylpyridinium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride,benzalkonium chloride, dodecylpyridinium chloride, the correspondingbromides, hydroxyethylheptadecylimidazolium halides, coco aminopropylbetaine, and coconut alkyldimethylammonium betaine. Additional cationicsurfactants that may be used include methyl bis(hydrogenated tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethly ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(tallowamido ethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(soya amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(canola amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methylbis(tallowamido ethyl)-2-tallow imidazolinium methyl sulfate, methylbis(hydrogenated tallowamido ethyl)-2-hydrogenated tallow imidazoliniummethyl sulfate, methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2-hydroxyethyl ammoniummethyl sulfate, methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2-hydroxyethyl ammoniummethyl sulfate, dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride,didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride diamidoamine ethoxylates,diamidoamine imidazolines, and quaternary ester salts.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more nonionic surfactants may beused. Nonionic surfactants typically have a hydrophobic base, such as along chain alkyl group or an alkylated aryl group, and a hydrophilicchain comprising a certain number (e.g., 1 to about 30) of ethoxy and/orpropoxy moieties. Examples of some classes of nonionic surfactants thatmay be used include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alkylphenols,ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethersof methyl glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty(C₈-C₁₈) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chainamines or amides, condensation products of ethylene oxide with alcohols,and mixtures thereof.

[0026] Specific examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, butare not limited to, methyl gluceth-10, PEG-20 methyl glucose distearate,PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, C₁₁₋₁₅ pareth-20, ceteth-8,ceteth-12, dodoxynol-12, laureth-15, PEG-20 castor oil, polysorbate 20,steareth-20, polyoxyethylene-10 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 stearylether, polyoxyethylene-20 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 oleyl ether,polyoxyethylene-20 oleyl ether, an ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylatedoctylphenol, ethoxylated dodecylphenol, or ethoxylated fatty (C₆-C₂₂)alcohol, including 3 to 20 ethylene oxide moieties, polyoxyethylene-20isohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene-23 glycerol laurate,polyoxy-ethylene-20 glyceryl stearate, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether,PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monoesters,polyoxyethylene-80 castor oil, polyoxyethylene-15 tridecyl ether,polyoxy-ethylene-6 tridecyl ether, laureth-2, laureth-3, laureth-4,PEG-3 castor oil, PEG 600 dioleate, PEG 400 dioleate, oxyethanol,2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethylene oxyethanol; octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, nonylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol,2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyloxypolyethylenealkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, alkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol,alkyleneoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol, and mixtures thereof.

[0027] Additional nonionic surfactants that may be used include watersoluble alcohol ethylene oxide condensates that are the condensationproducts of a secondary aliphatic alcohol containing between about 8 toabout 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configurationcondensed with between about 5 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Suchnonionic surfactants are commercially available under the trade nameTERGITOL® from Union Carbide Corp. (Danbury, Conn.). Specific examplesof such commercially available nonionic surfactants of the foregoingtype are C₁₁-C₁₅ secondary alkanols condensed with either 9 moles ofethylene oxide (TERGITOL® 15-S-9) or 12 moles of ethylene oxide(TERGITOL® 15-S-12) marketed by Union Carbide Corp. (Danbury, Conn.).

[0028] Other suitable nonionic surfactants include the polyethyleneoxide condensates of one mole of alkyl phenol containing from about 8 to18 carbon atoms in a straight- or branched chain alkyl group with about5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Specific examples of alkyl phenolethoxylates include nonyl condensed with about 9.5 moles of ethyleneoxide per mole of nonyl phenol, dinonyl phenol condensed with about 12moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol, dinonyl phenol condensedwith about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol anddiisoctylphenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per moleof phenol. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this typeinclude IGEPAL® CO-630 (a nonyl phenol ethoxylate) marketed by ISP Corp.(Wayne, N.J.). Suitable non-ionic ethoxylated octyl and nonyl phenolsinclude those having from about 7 to about 13 ethoxy units.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more amphoteric surfactants may beused. One class of amphoteric surfactants that may suitable for use withthe present invention includes the derivatives of secondary and tertiaryamines having aliphatic radicals that are straight chain or branched,where one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains ananionic water-solubilizing group, such as a carboxy, sulfonate, orsulfate group. Some examples of amphoteric surfactants include, but arenot limited to, sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propionate, sodium3-(dodecylamino)-propane-1-sulfonate, sodium 2-(dodecylamino)ethylsulfate, sodium 2-(dimethylamino)octadecanoate, disodium3-(N-carboxymethyl-dodecylamino)propane-1-sulfonate, sodium1-carboxymethyl-2-undecylimidazole, disodium octadecyliminodiacetate,and sodium N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-sulfato-3-dodecoxypropylamine.

[0030] Additional classes of suitable amphoteric surfactants includephosphobetaines and phosphitaines. For instance, some examples of suchamphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium coconutN-methyl taurate, sodium oleyl N-methyl taurate, sodium tall oil acidN-methyl taurate, cocodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine,lauryldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxyethylbetaine,cetyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, sodium palmitoyl N-methyl taurate,oleyldimethylgammacarboxypropylbetaine,lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-carboxyethylbetaine, di-sodium oleamidePEG-2 sulfosuccinate, laurylamido-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) propylsultaine,lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethylbetaine,cocoamidodimethylpropylsultaine, stearylamidodimethylpropylsultaine, TEAoleamido PEG-2 sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamide MEA sulfosuccinate,disodium oleamide MIPA sulfosuccinate, disodium ricinoleamide MEAsulfosuccinate, disodium undecylenamide MEA sulfosuccinate, disodiumwheat germamido MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium wheat germamido PEG-2sulfosuccinate, disodium isostearamideo MEA sulfosuccinate, cocoamidopropyl monosodium phosphitaine, lauric myristic amido propyl monosodiumphosphitaine, cocoamido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauricmyristic amido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauric myristicamido glyceryl phosphobetaine, lauric myristic amido carboxy disodium3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, cocoamphoglycinate,cocoamphocarboxyglycinate, capryloamphocarboxyglycinate,lauroamphocarboxyglycinate, lauroamphoglycinate,capryloamphocarboxypropionate, lauroamphocarboxypropionate,cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxypropionate, dihydroxyethyl tallowglycinate, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] In certain instances, one or more anionic surfactants may beused. Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to,alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates, sulfateesters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alpha-olefinsulfonates, beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkylauryl sulfonates, alkylmonoglyceride sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkylcarbonates, alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty acids, sulfosuccinates,sarcosinates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fattytaurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, isethionates, ormixtures thereof.

[0032] Particular examples of some suitable anionic surfactants include,but are not limited to, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl sulfates, C₈-C₁₈ fatty acid salts,C₈-C₁₈ alkyl ether sulfates having one or two moles of ethoxylation,C₈-C₁₈ alkamine oxides, C₈-C₁₈ alkoyl sarcosinates, C₈-C₁₈sulfoacetates, C₈-C₁₈ sulfosuccinates, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl diphenyl oxidedisulfonates, C₈-C₁₈ alkyl carbonates, C₈-C₁₈ alpha-olefin sulfonates,methyl ester sulfonates, and blends thereof. The C₈-C₁₈ alkyl group maybe straight chain (e.g., lauryl) or branched (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl). Thecation of the anionic surfactant may be an alkali metal (e.g., sodium orpotassium), ammonium, C₁-C₄ alkylammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri), orC₁-C₃ alkanolammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri).

[0033] Specific examples of such anionic surfactants include, but arenot limited to, lauryl sulfates, octyl sulfates, 2-ethylhexyl sulfates,lauramine oxide, decyl sulfates, tridecyl sulfates, cocoates, lauroylsarcosinates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, linear C₁₀ diphenyl oxidedisulfonates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, lauryl ether sulfates (1 and 2moles ethylene oxide), myristyl sulfates, oleates, stearates, tallates,ricinoleates, cetyl sulfates, and so forth.

[0034] The article of the present invention may be formed using avariety of processes, for example, dipping, spraying, tumbling, drying,and curing. An exemplary dipping process for forming a glove isdescribed herein, though other processes may be employed to form variousarticles having different shapes and characteristics. For example, acondom may be formed in substantially the same manner, although someprocess conditions may differ from those used to form a glove.Furthermore, it should be understood that a batch, semi-batch, or acontinuous process may be used with the present invention.

[0035] A glove is formed on a hand-shaped mold, termed a “former”. Theformer may be made from any suitable material, such as glass, metal,porcelain, or the like. The surface of the former defines at least aportion of the surface of the glove to be manufactured.

[0036] In general, the substrate body 26 (FIGS. 1-2C) is formed bydipping the former into a series of compositions as needed to attain thedesired glove characteristics. The glove may be allowed to solidifybetween layers. Any combination of layers may be used, and althoughspecific layers are described herein, it should be understood that otherlayers and combinations of layers may be used as desired.

[0037] In one embodiment, the substrate body may be formed using asolvent-based dipping process. Exemplary processes have been describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,900 to Buddenhagen et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,407,715 to Buddenhagen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,531 toLittleton et al., each incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety, and will be described here only briefly. For example, in sucha process, the S-EB-S block copolymer is dissolved in a solvent, forexample, toluene, and then mixed with a plasticizer. A glove former isthen dipped into the solution and permitted to dry to evaporate thesolvent. Several dips may be used as needed to build the desiredthickness. The final article may be rinsed or otherwise treated asdesired.

[0038] In another embodiment, the glove may be formed using an aqueousdispersion-based dipping process. Exemplary processes have beendescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,452 to Plamthottam and U.S. Pat. No.6,414,083 to Plamthottam, both incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety, and will be described here only briefly. For example, adispersion medium is prepared from water and a surfactant. Otheradditives, such as thickeners, defoamers, or buffers may be added to thedispersion medium. Separately, a mixture of the S-EB-S block copolymer,a solvent, and a mineral oil plasticizer is prepared. The two mixturesare then combined under high shear conditions to form the desireddispersion. The solvent is then removed from the dispersion via asuitable stripping process. An elastomeric article is then formed bydipping a former into a volume of the dispersion one or more times tobuild up the desired thickness, and thereafter evaporating the water toform a film on the surface of the former. The final article may berinsed or otherwise treated as desired.

[0039] After formation of the substrate body 26, the former may bedipped into a composition containing a suitable polymeric material tocoat the first surface 28 of the substrate body 26. Such a coating formsa donning layer 32 (FIGS. 2A-2C) to facilitate donning of the finishedarticle, namely glove 20. In one embodiment, the donning layer mayinclude an SBS block copolymer. One example of an SBS polymer that maybe suitable for use as a donning layer is commercially available fromDexco Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8508,described in detail above. In some embodiments, the donning layercomposition may include from about 1 mass % to about 10 mass % SBS in asuitable solvent, such as toluene. In another embodiment, the donninglayer composition may include from about 2 mass % to about 5 mass % SBSin a suitable solvent. In yet another embodiment, the donning layercomposition may include from about 3 mass % to about 4 mass % SBS in asuitable solvent. In still another embodiment, the donning layercomposition may include about 3.4 mass % SBS in a suitable solvent.While exemplary compositions are set forth herein, it should beunderstood that other polymers may be used in any suitable quantities toform the donning layer as described herein.

[0040] Thus, for example, the article of the present invention mayinclude a substrate body 26 and a donning layer 32 (FIG. 2A), where thesubstrate body 26 may be formed from one or more S-EB-S blockcopolymers, and the donning layer 32 may be formed from a SBS blockcopolymer. The donning layer may be present in any suitable amount, andin some embodiments, the donning layer may be present in an amount offrom about 0.1% mass % to about 2.5 mass % of the elastomenic article.In other embodiments, the donning layer may be present in an amount offrom about 0.25 mass % to about 1.5 mass % of the elastomeric article.In yet other embodiments, the donning layer may be present in an amountof about 0.5 mass % of the elastomeric article.

[0041] Where a gripping layer 34 is desired (FIG. 2B-2C), the former maybe dipped into a composition containing a suitable polymeric materialprior to formation of the substrate body 26. The gripping layer enablesthe wearer to securely grasp articles without excessive tackiness orstickiness. In one embodiment, the gripping layer may include an SBSblock copolymer. One example of an SBS polymer that may be suitable foruse as a gripping layer is commercially available from Dexco Polymers(Houston, Tex.) under the trade name VECTOR® 8508, described in detailabove. In one embodiment, the gripping layer composition may includefrom about 1 mass % to about 10 mass % SBS in a suitable solvent, suchas toluene. In another embodiment, the gripping layer composition mayinclude from about 2 mass % to about 5 mass % SBS in a suitable solvent.In yet another embodiment, the gripping layer composition may includefrom about 3 mass % SBS to about 4 mass % SBS in a suitable solvent. Instill another embodiment, the gripping layer composition may includeabout 3.4 mass % SBS in a suitable solvent. While exemplary compositionsare set forth herein, it should be understood that other polymers may beused in any quantities to form the gripping layer as described herein.

[0042] Thus, for example, the article of the present invention mayinclude a substrate body and a gripping layer, where the substrate bodyis formed from one or more S-EB-S block copolymers, and the grippinglayer is formed from a SBS block copolymer. In another example depictedin FIG. 2B, the article of the present invention may include a substratebody 26, a donning layer 32, and a gripping layer 34, where thesubstrate body 26 may be formed from one or more S-EB-S blockcopolymers, the donning layer 32 may be formed from a SBS blockcopolymer, and the gripping layer 34 may be formed from an SBS blockcopolymer. The gripping layer may be present in any suitable amount, andin some embodiments, the gripping layer may be present in an amount offrom about 0.1% mass % to about 2.5 mass % of the elastomeric article.In other embodiments, the gripping layer may be present in an amount offrom about 0.25 mass % to about 1.5 mass % of the elastomeric article.In yet other embodiments, the gripping layer may be present in an amountof about 0.5 mass % of the elastomeric article.

[0043] When all of the desired polymer layers have been formed and theglove is solidified, the former may be transferred to a strippingstation where the glove is removed from the former. The strippingstation may involve automatic or manual removal of the glove from theformer. For example, in one embodiment, the glove is manually removedand turned inside out as it is stripped from the former.

[0044] The solidified glove may then undergo various post-formationprocesses. In some instances, the glove may be inverted as needed toexpose the donning layer and/or the gripping layer for halogenation. Thehalogenation (e.g., chlorination) may be performed in any suitablemanner known to those skilled in the art. Chlorination generally entailscontacting the surface to be chlorinated to a source of chlorine. Suchmethods include: (1) direct injection of chlorine gas into a watermixture, (2) mixing high density bleaching powder and aluminum chloridein water, (3) brine electrolysis to produce chlorinated water, and (4)acidified bleach. Examples of such methods are described in U.S. Pat.No. 3,411,982 to Kavalir; U.S. Pat. No. 3,740,262 to Agostinelli; U.S.Pat. No. 3,992,221 to Homsy, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,108 to Momose;and U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,266 to Momose, U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,531 toLittleton, et al., which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference. In one embodiment, for example, chlorine gas is injected intoa water stream and then fed into a chlorinator (a closed vessel)containing the glove. The concentration of chlorine can be altered tocontrol the degree of chlorination. The chlorine concentration istypically at least about 100 parts per million (ppm), in someembodiments from about 200 ppm to about 3500 ppm, and in someembodiments, from about 300 ppm to about 600 ppm, for example, about 400ppm. The duration of the chlorination step may also be controlled tovary the degree of chlorination and may range, for example, from about 1to about 10 minutes, for example, 4 minutes.

[0045] Still within the chlorinator, the chlorinated glove may then berinsed with tap water at about room temperature. This rinse cycle may berepeated as necessary. Once all water is removed, the glove is tumbledto drain the excess water.

[0046] Where desired, a lubricant composition may then be added into thechlorinator for about five minutes. The lubricant forms a lubricantlayer 36 over at least a portion of the donning layer 32 to furtherenhance donning of the glove 20 (FIG. 2C). Any suitable lubricant may beused to form the lubricant layer as described herein. One such lubricantmay include a quaternary ammonium compound such as VERISOFT® BTMS and asilicone emulsion such as SM 2169, both described in detail above.

[0047] The lubricant solution is then drained from the chlorinator andmay be reused if desired. It should be understood that the lubricantcomposition may be applied at a later stage in the forming process, andmay be applied using any technique, such as dipping, spraying,immersion, printing, tumbling, or the like.

[0048] The coated glove is then put into a drier and dried for about 10to 60 minutes (e.g., 40 minutes) at from about 20° C. to about 80° C.(e.g., 40° C.) to dry the inside surface of the glove. The glove 20 isthen inverted and the outside surface of the glove dried for about 20 to100 minutes (e.g., 60 minutes) at from about 20° C. to about 80° C.(e.g., 40° C.).

[0049] These discoveries are evidenced by the following example, whichis not intended to be limiting in any manner.

EXAMPLE

[0050] The ability to don and use an article formed according to thepresent invention was demonstrated. Several hundred glove formers weredipped into an about 3.4 mass % solution of VECTOR® 8508styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer available from DexcoPolymers (Houston, Tex.) in toluene to form a gripping layer.Afterwards, the glove formers were exposed to air to permit the solventto evaporate.

[0051] The glove formers were then dipped into a solution of 20.7 mass %of equal amounts of KRATON® 1650 and KRATON® 1651 (with 67 parts perhundred rubber (phr) by mass of mineral oil) in toluene to form thesubstrate body. The solution was mixed in a high shear mixer with a cowlblade. After dipping the formers into the solution, the glove formerswere exposed to air to permit most of the solvent to evaporate. Theglove formers were then dipped a second time into the same solution, andthe formers were subsequently exposed to air to permit most of thesolvent to evaporate.

[0052] The formers were then again dipped into a solution of VECTOR8508® SBS block copolymer in toluene (about 3.4 mass % SBS) to form adonning layer. Afterwards, the formers were exposed to air to permit thesolvent to evaporate.

[0053] A glove bead was then rolled on the gloves by contacting therotating formers to two opposing rotating brushes.

[0054] The formers were then dipped into a slurry solution containingcalcium carbonate and a surfactant to facilitate the stripping of theglove. The formers were then exposed to air again to remove the waterfrom the slurry and the remainder of the toluene solvent. The gloveswere then manually stripped from the formers.

[0055] The gloves were then exposed to a solution of water, chlorinegas, and sufficient hydrochloric acid to produce a solution having a pHof 2 for a period of about 7 minutes. The gloves were then inverted andexposed to another solution of water, chlorine gas, and hydrochloricacid. The gloves were then coated with an aqueous lubricant compositioncontaining a quaternary ammonium compound and a silicone emulsion. Thegloves were then air dried, inverted, and air dried again. The gloveswere then donned and manipulated. Overall, the gloves exhibited goodgrip and damp donning characteristics without the use of powder.

[0056] In sum, the article of the present invention features improveddonning without the use of traditional lubricating powders. The articleis readily donned due to the presence of a donning layer formed from astyrenic block copolymer. A styrenic block copolymer may also be used toform the gripping layer. Donning may be further enhanced by forming alubricating layer over at least a portion of the donning layer.

[0057] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the inventive characteristicsthereof. The present embodiments therefore are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elastomeric article comprising: a substratebody comprising an elastomeric material, the substrate body having afirst surface; and a donning layer overlying at least a portion of thefirst surface, the donning layer comprising a styrenic block copolymer.2. The article of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material comprises amid block saturated styrene block copolymer.
 3. The article of claim 1,wherein the elastomeric material comprises astyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer.
 4. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the groupconsisting of natural rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadieneblock copolymer, synthetic isoprene, chloroprene rubber, polyvinylchloride, silicone rubber, and a combination thereof.
 5. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the styrenic block copolymer comprises astyrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
 6. The article of claim 1,wherein the donning layer is present in an amount of about 0.1 mass % toabout 2.5 mass % of the article.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein thedonning layer is present in an amount of about 0.25 mass % to about 1.5mass % of the article.
 8. The article of claim 1, further comprising alubricant layer overlying at least a portion of the donning layer. 9.The article of claim 8, wherein the lubricant layer comprises asilicone.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is a glove.11. An elastomeric article comprising: a substrate body comprising anelastomeric material, the substrate body having a first surface and asecond surface; a donning layer overlying at least a portion of thefirst surface, the donning layer comprising a styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer; and a gripping layer overlying at least a portion ofthe second surface.
 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the elastomericmaterial comprises a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer.13. The article of claim 11, wherein the gripping layer comprises astyrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
 14. The article of claim 11,wherein the gripping layer is present in an amount of from about 0.1mass % to about 2.5 mass % of the article.
 15. The article of claim 11,wherein the gripping layer is present in an amount of from about 0.25mass % to about 1.5 mass % of the article.
 16. The article of claim 11,further comprising a lubricant layer overlying at least a portion of thedonning layer.
 17. A method for preparing an elastomeric articlecomprising: preparing a substrate body comprising an elastomericmaterial, the substrate body having a first surface and a secondsurface; and forming a donning layer over at least a portion of thefirst surface, the donning layer comprising a styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forminga gripping layer over at least a portion of the second surface, thegripping layer comprising a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising contacting the grippinglayer with a source of chlorine.
 20. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising forming a lubricant layer over at least a portion of thedonning layer, the lubricant layer comprising a silicone and aquaternary ammonium compound.